Staff Writer- Maddie Low
Gustavus Football traveled to St. Paul, MN this past Saturday to play against Bethel University’s Royals and unfortunately had their first loss of the season 7-49 placing their record at 1-1. “It wasn’t quite the outcome that we wanted,” says Junior, Jacob Ginskey, “but Bethel is a top 10 team so it was good to get some exposure to a team of that caliber. It gave us a chance to see what we need to work on as a team to get to where we want to be by the end of the season.”
Bethel had the game’s opening kickoff and they pulled 84 yards down the field through 13 plays to bring them up 0-7. Junior wide receiver Liam Frommelt, rolled out a 20-yard completion in Gustavus’ first drive of the game, and quarterback Ginskey made a move for a 15-yard run. “Doing my job and falling back on what we’ve practiced all week helps going into games. Trusting the preparation we’ve put in helps me stay focused and do my job when game time comes.” Said Ginskey. These plays fell short as Gustavus failed to convert a 4th and 3 at Bethel’s 26 yard line. The Royals completed a 74-yard touchdown in their next play for a 14 point lead.
Gustavus’ defense made two major stops within Bethel’s 20-yard line in the second quarter. Bethel had a 4th and 2 at Gustavus’ eight-yard line, but Junior linebacker Carson Boike tackled Bethel’s running back just short of the line to get the ball back into their possession. “We learned a lot despite the outcome of the game, and it comes back to our fundamentals and core values.” Boike says. “On defense specifically, we preach tackling and taking the ball away and focus on them daily. As a team, we talk a lot about physicality and starting fast. We want to begin the game already ready to go starting quick, executing our jobs on the field at a high level.”
The Royals regained possession and drove deep but the Gusties were able to make a stop as Senior defensive back Chance Swansson, broke up the pass for a second consecutive fourth down stop by the Gustavus defense. Swansson was able to make a stop on the following drive as well as the Gustie defense, for the third time in a row, came up to get the ball back. However, just before halftime Bethel scored on a four-yard drive for another seven points and then again to take a 0-28 lead into the third quarter.
Bethel scored twice in their first two drives after halftime for a 0-42 lead. On their third, Junior defensive back Cody Bartnes picked off Bethel, setting up the Gustie offense at the Royal’s 44-yard line. Ginsky found Frommelt for 12 yards in their first play and on a 4th and 4, found Brayden Sturm for a 22-yard completion to reach Bethel’s four-yard line. Junior running back Walker Hennen made Gustavus’ touchdown two plays later, setting the scoreboard to 7-42.
Unfortunately, early in the fourth quarter the Royals scored their final touchdown, 7-49. The Gustie defense had back to back sacks in Bethel’s next few drives. Gustavus’ defense made yet another stop in the final play of the game, taking down Bethel’s running back on the one-yard line as the clock ran out.
The team has banded together in spite of this loss and is working hard for redemption the coming weekend. “The team dynamic has been great! I feel like we’re more closely knit and trusting of each other than we have been in previous years. We’re excited to bounce back this
week against Concordia!” Ginskey says.
They have pushed all season for strong connections, plays, and a team atmosphere that means more than their wins and losses. Boike says, “I think this season you can expect a team who, no matter the opponent, will go out and compete at a high level. We have a great group of captains and leaders who consistently set the standard of who we need to be, to be able to achieve the goals we have for the year. There are also lots of guys on this team who are dedicated and willing to put in the time, so we can be headed in the right direction.”
Boike continues, “The team’s dynamic has been amazing to be a part of. From Freshman to Seniors, we are all very connected as a group and we push each other to be better everyday. It doesn’t matter if someone plays all the snaps or gets none, they have just as important of a role on the team, and everyone knows that. I think that stems from having a player led team, where we place value in everyone, and that’s the standard everyone must hold. There’s a ton of excitement and energy when someone makes a play, and I think that’s great to see.”
The Gusties are hoping for a win and anticipating a great season ahead of them. They will play again at Hollingsworth Field, this Saturday, September 26 at 1:00pm against Concordia College.